Audi confirms Bortoleto and Hülkenberg will remain for 2027 F1 season

News Summary

Audi has confirmed Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hülkenberg as its drivers for the 2027 F1 season.
Mattia Binotto said after Azerbaijan GP FP1 that there was no need for a major announcement because the line-up will remain unchanged.
Audi’s confirmation means 14 of the 22 places on the 2027 Formula 1 grid are now settled.

Audi will retain Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hülkenberg for the 2027 Formula 1 season, Mattia Binotto confirmed after opening practice for the Azerbaijan GP.

Speaking during a press conference attended by GRANDE PRÊMIO in Baku, the head of Audi’s F1 project dismissed any remaining uncertainty surrounding the German manufacturer’s driver line-up.

Binotto said that there are no changes when asked about Audi’s plans for 2027. He added that there was no need for a major announcement because both drivers were already expected to continue under their existing agreements.

The confirmation guarantees Bortoleto a third Formula 1 season and his second as an Audi factory driver. Hülkenberg will also continue with the team he joined when it was still competing under the Sauber name in 2025.

Audi chooses stability for second F1 season

Audi’s decision reflects its satisfaction with the balance provided by its current pairing.

Hülkenberg offers extensive experience and technical feedback, while Bortoleto has continued to develop during his second year in Formula 1. The Brazilian has also played an important role in the development of Audi’s first works car and power unit.

Although speculation previously connected other drivers with Audi, Binotto repeatedly indicated that the team was happy with Bortoleto and Hülkenberg. His comments in Baku turn that expectation into a direct confirmation for 2027.

Audi remains in the construction phase of its Formula 1 programme and has set 2030 as its long-term target for competing for championships. Maintaining the same drivers allows the team to preserve technical continuity while concentrating its resources on improving the chassis, power unit and operational structure.

The team introduced its first significant F1 upgrade since June at the Azerbaijan GP. Bortoleto expects the package to help Audi challenge Alpine and Racing Bulls more consistently, although Hülkenberg warned that Baku’s unusual characteristics may conceal its full effect.

Confirmation changes the 2027 F1 driver market

Audi’s decision also removes two more theoretical vacancies from the 2027 driver market.

Before Binotto’s confirmation, Bortoleto and Hülkenberg were listed as expected to stay but had not received a conventional joint announcement. Their continuation means 14 of the 22 seats are now effectively confirmed.

The 2027 F1 grid now has fewer genuine openings than the official announcement count previously suggested. The principal uncertainties remain at Racing Bulls and Haas, while Fernando Alonso’s future continues to determine the situation at Aston Martin.

For Audi, however, there is no longer any question. Bortoleto and Hülkenberg will remain together as the manufacturer enters the second season of its works Formula 1 project.

GRANDE PRÊMIO follows every session of the Azerbaijan GP LIVE and in REAL TIME.

F1 today: FAQ

Why is the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Saturday?

The race takes place on Saturday, September 26, because Sunday is Azerbaijan’s Remembrance Day. The entire programme was moved forward, with practice on Thursday and qualifying on Friday.

What time does the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix start?

The Azerbaijan GP starts at 12:00 UK, 07:00 ET and 15:00 local time on Saturday. It will run for 51 laps around the 6.003km Baku City Circuit.

Can Kimi Antonelli win the 2026 F1 championship in Azerbaijan?

Yes. Antonelli arrives in Baku with an 81-point lead over George Russell, making him mathematically capable of securing the championship. To become champion, he must leave Azerbaijan at least 75 points ahead.